Nuristan governor Hafiz Abdul Qayum rejected the rumors about Daesh presence and recruiting in the eastern province.

Mr. Qayum said the Afghan forces in Nuristan have stood against threats by the Taliban and they will stand against threats from other groups as well.

“So far, Daesh does not have a military presence and it is not recruiting in Nuristan,” the governor reiterated.

Daesh has started recruiting in Nuristan Province and this needs thorough attention by the central government otherwise, it will affect the relative security of the eastern province of the country, some residents said.

“They [Daesh] have not been seen yet but there are rumors that they are operating in Waigal district,” said Abdul Matin Nuristani, member of Nuristan Provincial Council.

“There is only the National Police force members in Nuristan and there is the local police in some areas, but they are not enough,” said Abdul Latif Nazhatyar, a lawmaker from Nuristan.

This comes amid a momentum in the negotiations between the US and the Taliban in Doha who are discussing counterterrorism assurances as a key part of their talks.

Previously, officials confirmed Daesh presence in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces in the neighboring of Nuristan.